THE row over fans standing up at Manchester United matches was being discussed by council chiefs today.

But it is understood they were not due to order immediate closure of parts of the Old Trafford ground on match days. However, Trafford town hall bosses were set to rubber-stamp moves to consult lawyers over a possible partial shutdown next season.

Fans ignored "sit down" pleas from the council and club by standing for long periods during last week's match against Bayern Munich.

Trafford, which is responsible for the stadium's safety licence, had threatened closures if the problem persisted.

In a report to be examined today, they also call for the council to look at closing rows of seats used by fans who persist in standing, rather than shutting whole sections.